In a late-night social media post more befitting a schoolyard boast than a presidential proclamation, former President Donald Trump announced his plan to rename U.S. military commemorations—sparking immediate backlash for both historical inaccuracy and perceived disrespect to American veterans.
Posting to Truth Social, Trump declared that the United States would now celebrate “Victory Day for World War II” on May 8—marking the 1945 surrender of Nazi Germany in Europe. That day is already recognized in several European nations as “Victory in Europe Day.” But critics were quick to point out what Trump conspicuously omitted: the war wasn’t over for the United States on May 8.
The Pacific conflict with Japan raged for another three months, culminating only after the devastating U.S. atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945 and Japan’s subsequent surrender on August 15. Trump’s apparent confusion ignited a firestorm of criticism from historians, veterans, and political commentators.
“We won World War II on August 15, 1945, when the Japanese surrendered,” wrote former MSNBC host Keith Olbermann. “Trump is a complete moron.”
The phrase quickly trended across social media platforms, as users highlighted not just the historical gaffe but also the implications of dismissing one of the most traumatic and decisive chapters in American military history.
In the same post, Trump also called for the abolition of Veterans Day as it is currently recognized. The federal holiday, held annually on November 11, honors American veterans for their service across all wars. Trump instead proposed reverting to the original Armistice Day—commemorating the end of World War I—claiming it should now be “Victory Day for World War I.”
“We won both wars; nobody was close to us in terms of strength, bravery, or military brilliance,” Trump wrote. “But we never celebrate anything. That’s because we don’t have leaders anymore that know how to do so! We are going to start celebrating our victories again!”
Veterans groups were incensed.
“To suggest we erase a national day of remembrance and appreciation for millions of veterans in favor of a rebranded ego boost is beyond offensive,” said retired Marine Lt. Col. James Warner. “Veterans Day is not about Trump’s victory fantasies—it’s about real sacrifice.”
Veterans organizations noted that Veterans Day originated as Armistice Day in 1919 under President Woodrow Wilson, marking the end of WWI. Congress made it a national holiday in 1938, then expanded it to honor veterans of all U.S. wars in 1954—long before Trump was born. In 1971, a failed attempt to change the date led to overwhelming public opposition, forcing Congress to return the holiday to November 11 permanently.
We won World War II on August 15, 1945 when the Japanese surrendered.
— Keith Olbermann (@KeithOlbermann) May 2, 2025
Trump is a complete moron. pic.twitter.com/teHhJ1u3Rh
“This isn’t a Trump-branding exercise,” said retired Army Col. Rebecca Lin. “It’s a solemn promise to those who served. Leave it alone.”
Trump’s comments also drew criticism from international observers, who noted that U.S. forces did not fight the Axis powers alone. While he claimed America had done “more than any other country, by far,” critics pointed to the Soviet Union’s staggering death toll—an estimated 28 million civilians and soldiers—as well as the efforts of British, French, Polish, Canadian, and other Allied troops.
“It’s offensive revisionism,” said military historian Dr. Eric Hastings. “It erases the global nature of the war and insults both history and the people who lived it.”
Critics also tied Trump’s messaging to a broader pattern of political grandstanding. The former president has increasingly inserted himself into military celebrations and national holidays, such as the rumored $92 million military parade currently being drafted for his birthday in June. The plans include tanks, helicopters, and over 6,600 troops—further fueling accusations that Trump views the U.S. military as a prop for personal glorification rather than national defense.
“It’s all part of his brand,” said political analyst Maya Carter. “The goal isn’t to honor veterans—it’s to rewrite history in a way that flatters him.”
Whether Trump can actually change federal holidays is a different matter entirely. Legal experts note that only Congress has the power to establish or change national holidays. In other words, Trump’s decree—however loud—carries no legal authority.
Still, the symbolic damage may already be done. As outrage continues to pour in, the lasting image from this episode may not be of a strong leader asserting national pride ut of a would-be statesman fumbling the facts of the very war he claims to celebrate.
2 comments
Actually, Trump was around in 1954 — he was eight years old.
Heads up, Trump was born in 1946… he was 8 years old in 1954 and likely remembers the change.